IRB Hall of Famer Syd Millar was born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim in 1934 and represented his hometown club, Ulster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in a glittering career.

A prop forward, he made his international debut in Paris against France in 1958 and went on to be capped 37 times for his country. He played 39 matches for the Lions, nine of those Test matches over the course of three tours.

He then coached the 1974 "Invincibles" who toured South Africa undefeated, winning 21 of their 22 matches. He also coached Ireland between 1973 and 1975 and was manager for the 1980 Lions tour. He then had a successful career as an administrator, managing the 1987 World Cup and representing Ireland on the IRB Council before his election as President of the IRB in 2003.

He was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2009 and has been awarded the Legion d'honneur and the prestigous Spirit of Sport award for his contribution to sport.